December 6, 2022

First Night® Buffalo hosts virtual New Year’s Eve celebration for families

First Night® Family Party Packs sold at select Tops Friendly Markets beginning in early December

BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 29, 2022) – First Night® Buffalo, brought to you by the Independent Health Foundation in partnership with John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, will feature an entertaining line-up of family friendly video performances for free at www.firstnightbuffalo.org the evening of December 31.

First Night® Family Party Packs, including everything a family of four needs to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, will be going on sale at select Tops Friendly Markets and online at www.firstnightbuffalo.org in early December.

“As we look forward to a joyful holiday season, we’re excited to bring you First Night® Buffalo with free online access to our great line-up of talented performers. Party Packs are an affordable add-on for just $20 and are available at Tops Friendly Markets. ,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “The roots of the Independent Health Foundation originally grew from First Night® Buffalo 30 years ago and we look forward to continuing to help our community get and stay healthy for many years to come.”

First Night® Buffalo, one of the Independent Health Foundation’s signature events, will mark its 34^th year as an event full of activities and entertainment for the entire family. As the event that led to the establishment of the Independent Health Foundation in 1992, First Night® marks the conclusion of a year-long celebration of the Independent Health Foundation’s 30^th anniversary throughout 2022.

“We at Oishei Children’s Hospital are proud to partner with First Night again this year and are thrilled they continue to offer a safe option for our community’s kids and families to celebrate the New Year,” said Stephen Turkovich, MD, incoming president, Oishei Children’s Hospital.

First Night® Buffalo 2023 Entertainment Lineup

The entertainment lineup for First Night® Buffalo will be once again accessible for free at www.firstnightbuffalo.org beginning on New Year’s Eve. In addition to performers and shows, this year’s lineup will also include videos submitted by children 17 years and under from throughout Western New York featuring their talents and touchdown celebrations.

First Night® Buffalo celebrates New Year’s Eve virtually and Independent Health Foundation’s 30th anniversary

First Night® Buffalo family entertainment will include:

Jeff Musial – Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics
Join us on the wild side with Jeff and his exotic animals! Check out all the animals and stay for Jeff’s amazing facts. You’ll be sure to impress your friends!

Jim the Balloon Guy
Children will have fun learning how to make amazing creations of their own with balloons! Plus, watch Jim create amazing artwork with his incredible talents.

Dance Party with DJ Milk
Grab those glow-in-the-dark glasses and plug in that lightbulb! Get moving with DJ Milk as he plays your favorite tunes!

Squiggly Art Face Paint
Get your face paint ready! Tanitra will show you how to create a masterpiece. She has designs the whole family will enjoy!

Doug Rougeux, BubbleMan!
Watch BubbleMan! create a bubble masterpiece and learn how to make your own bubbles at home!

Checkers the Inventor
Get ready for an incredibly fun and memorable performance. Checkers the Inventor and Snoozer bring a show filled with comedy, magic and thrilling inventions!

Amor and Heritage
Get ready to move! Amor and Heritage will teach you a traditional Latino dance. Wait until you hear some of the songs!

Royal Receptions
Watch as some of your favorite superheroes and princesses will help to ring in the New Year!

Master Khechen’s Martial Arts
Let’s learn something together in the new year! Try new Tae Kwon-Do skills with Master Khechen’s!

First Night® Buffalo Family Party Packs

Beginning in early December, families can also purchase First Night® Buffalo Family Party Packs for $20, an $80 value, at participating Tops Friendly Markets locations. This year, packs will include exclusive ticket vouchers to Zoo

Lights at the Buffalo Zoo, in addition to the following: